Importance of Cultural Identity

Ethnicity forms identity. Whether it’s the language we speak, the values we hold closely, or our perspectives on life- who you are is rooted in the cultural background of those before you. Embracing her Indian blood, Senior Sanchitha Tippur gives insight to what it’s like being an “American Born Cultured Desi,” at San Marcos High School.

S-A-N-C-H-I-T-H-A. Tippur spells out her name for me, emphasizing its importance. Commonly mispronounced, the meaning behind “Sanchitha” translates to “a collection of good things,” in Sanskrit, the holy language of India.

“Our names are our identity… They tell a story of our heritage.” Tippur says, “If someone goes out of their way to pronounce my name correctly, I will always remember that.”

Her name being only the tip of the iceberg for all of which sets her apart, Tippur’s experiences growing up as an Indian minority plays a significant role in accepting her culture. In a study from the American Psychological Association, it is shown that, “many children and youth continue to experience poor mental health outcomes based on their… ethnic or racial minority status.” The feeling of being invisible or on the contrary- an alien- is one that many minority students can resonate with in their adolescence.